Memorial site honors fallen Monterey County deputies

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Department unveiled a memorial site, on Thursday night dedicated to eight peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. In an emotional ceremony, family members of the fallen were also honored.

The department said it took about a year to build and it’s hoping the site will serve as a place for the community to learn, reflect and gain hope.

With the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Colorguard present and a bell for each name, eight fallen peace officers, dating back to 1855 are now memorialized at a site near the sheriff’s building. The entire memorial came through donations from community members. Family members of the fallen said they’re grateful for a place to remember their loved ones and their service.

“It’s not just for us and our families it’s actually there for the people to kind of take a look,” said retired Monterey County Deputy Sheriff Neil Shaw.

Show said his older brother Bob Shaw died of a heart attack at just 31 years old during a riot at Laguna Seca Raceway in 1988. He left a wife and two young daughters behind.

“There was a large crowd of unruly people that were throwing rocks and bottles and setting hay bales on fire and my brother was on the tactical team or the riot squad,” Shaw said.

Sheriff Scott Miller reminded the audience of those dangers, and this: 92 peace officers have died in the line of duty across the country so far this year. More than just a memorial, the department plans to use this site to educate new officers during training.

“So as new employees come on, their supervisors will bring them out and we’ll have a real good discussion about the history of the department, the importance of officer safety,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s Memorial Committee board member Donna Myers.

While every officer knows it’s a dangerous job, Shaw thinks this site sends an important message.

“I think this is a reminder for anybody in law enforcement to be on their toes,” Shaw said.

On Friday, a dedication ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the memorial site in front of the sheriff’s department.